Hanoi, (VNA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a ceremony inHanoi on August 8 to fly the ASEAN flag in celebration of the bloc’s 55thfounding anniversary (August 8, 1967) and 27th anniversary ofVietnam’s accession to the regional organization (July 28, 1995).  

The ceremony was chaired by ForeignMinister Bui Thanh Son, and attended by Ambassadors of ASEAN countries and ASEANpartners, along with local officials.

The annual ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony is held in each ASEANmember state to honour their common values and express the determination topromote solidarity and cooperation.

This year’s event is of greater significance sincethe region is working towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community at the end of 2015 and Vietnam is markingits 20th year of ASEAN membership. 

The ASEAN flag’s colours – blue, red, white andyellow – represent the main colours of the member countries’ flags. Itsymbolises unity and support for the bloc’s principles and mission, andrepresents a stable, peaceful, united and dynamic ASEAN.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister Son said the foundation ofASEAN 55 years ago created the precedence for regional countries to realisetheir aspiration for a peaceful, stable region with sustainable and inclusivedevelopment.

ASEAN countries can be proud of what they have achieved so far towards theirnoble goal, meeting the aspiration of nearly 700 million people in the region,he said.

Tosuccessfully realise the target and the ASEAN Vision, the minister said theASEAN Community should intensify efforts to consolidate the foundation forfast, sustainable and comprehensive post-pandemic recovery.  
The Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.